1

Commit to incremental change within schools and divisions.  The TIP▪R  process is implemented in successive waves of recertification cycles allowing the gradual introduction of change into a school or division.  This approach is often more feasible than more comprehensive school- or division-wide initiatives. 

2

Determine who will serve as TIP▪R Evaluator(s).  The Evaluator is perhaps the most critical component of the TIP▪R program.  However, unlike the JMU NETS▪T Certification program which requires substantial time commitments on the part of the Evaluator, the TIP▪R program can be implemented on a smaller scale and sized to fit the available resources.  Whereas the NETS▪T Evaluator conducts evaluations on at least 23 submissions for each teacher (because NETS▪T is comprised of 23 rubrics), the TIP▪R Evaluator assesses only one or two rubrics for each teacher (i.e., those chosen by the division for their strategic importance).  Further, the evaluation load may be spread over multiple Evaluators.  As a general rule, consideration of a submission for a given rubric takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the rubric.

While formal Evaluator training for the TIP▪R program is recommended, it is not required.  Evaluators can begin the evaluation process as soon as they like.  And if they wish to complete training, they need to participate in only that training that address the rubric(s) of interest, not the full 23-rubric contingent of the NETS▪T portfolio. 

3

Develop a plan for implementation.  Key questions in putting the TIP▪R program in place are noted below:

How many teachers can the program accommodate and in what timeframe?  The key consideration is how many teachers will be expected to complete recertification and within what timeframe.  If 20% of teachers are generally expected to recertify within a given year, then the supporting resources (e.g., number of Evaluators required) can be easily determined.

How can we make sure that teachers stay "on track" as they are working toward their recertification?  Most TIP▪R program will address only one or two NETS▪T rubrics.  As such, teachers tend to complete the tasks relatively quickly without need for the "gates" recommended for the JMU NETS▪T Program.  Further, the TIP▪R system automatically keeps track of teacher recertification status.

What types of professional development and support resources will be provided for those who need them?  The same materials that are available in support of the JMU NETS▪T Program can be used in support of the TIP▪R program as well.  Instead of requiring coverage of all of the full range of materials, however, only those materials related to the rubrics chosen for TIP▪R focus need to be utilized.  More specifically, the relevant segments of the Assembling Your JMU NETS•T Portfolio workshop and the Pursuing Your JMU NETS•T Certification course will be provided at licensing.  For additional information, see NETS▪T Professional Development.

The TIP▪R Program is independent of the type of professional development employed, making it compatible with any professional development activity the school/division may want to implement.  The overriding philosophy of the JMU Program is that of bringing local resources to bear in developing the skills targeted, employing both formal (e.g., university courses) and informal (e.g., collaborative peer-support groups) professional development activities.

What incentives will we make available for teachers who complete their recertification?  Schools and divisions may continue to award recertification points as is their practice.  Additional incentives, such as providing software or hardware contingent upon completion of the TIP▪R program, is a recommended practice.

How can we best utilize teachers who have completed their recertification in mentoring other teachers who are pursuing recertification?  A key method is to create and disseminate exemplary submissions for the rubric(s) of interest.  These materials may also be disseminated via the Virginia Content Repository.

Additional specific implementation questions that have arisen with regard to the JMU NETS▪T program are relevant to the TIP▪R Program as well.  Click here for the JMU NETS▪T FAQ.

4

Complete the Evaluator training, if desired.  As noted, the Evaluator training for the TIP▪R program is optional.  However, it is recommended.  For those who choose to participate in training, they will need to access only those parts of training related to the rubrics of interest.  This can usually be done in one online session.

5

Begin your program!

¹

Teacher and Technology Timeline: The Context for Strategic Recertification. (2008). JMU Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Harrisonburg, VA: James Madison University.